Sunset Middle School

Cooper Stateler The seventh-grade Nor'wester team has chosen for their Student of Distinction Cooper Stateler. This young man has carried a 4.0 GPA throughout the entire school year. He has exhibited a very strong commitment to his assignments, making sure that the quality of his work exceeds expectations in every subject area. Cooper also excels in athletics. He applies the same commitment to his effort in his team sports, always trying to be the best he can be. He also is a choir member and is a proficient pianist who occasionally accompanies the SMS senior choir. Cooper is a well rounded young man who is kind, well-liked by his peers, and has a great sense of humor.

Jason Sweet Jason Sweet is Sunset Middle School's RipTide Team Student of Distinction for 2009. Mr. Sweet is one of those truly remarkable individuals who quietly sets himself apart from his peers through his academic and athletic skills and his kind compassionate nature. He continually pushes hard to do his best. He sets very high goals, has a great work ethic, and very good social skills.In his classes he consistently earns above 100 percent and goes beyond what is required. On the sportsarenahe dazzles the spectators with his athletic prowess and inspires his teammates withdogged determination and strong leadership.One of Jason's classmates described him as "...always treating others the way he wants to be treated." That is an accurate assessment of what Sunset Middle School sees from him each day. Another of Jason's peers stated, "He knows what he wants in life and isn't afraid to go for it." Mix that with the fact that Jason usually follows the Golden Rule, and you have a recipe for success. We are very proud of him andarepleased to recognizeJason Sweetas our2009Student of Distinction.

Aly Welch The Tsunami team is pleased to present Aly Welch as our eighth-grade Student of Distinction. Aly has been on the honor role every trimester at Sunset and is taking challenging classes. She is on the Knowledge Bowl team. Aly keeps a busy schedule outside the school day. She takes multiple classes at the Rhythms West Dance Academy. She competes with RWDA in dance competitions throughout the Northwest. They have won or placed second in several of the large competitions. This year she danced in the Eugene Ballet's Nutcracker when it came to the Bay Area. Aly also is very involved with her church youth group. Among the youth group activities was taking cookies and treats to some of the rest homes in the area at Christmas. She plans on following a rigorous academic schedule at Marshfield as she prepares for college and beyond. We, the Tsunami team at Sunset, are very proud of Aly Welch.

Heather Whitty Heather Whitty, a seventh-grader on the Chinook team at Sunset Middle School, has been selected as a Student of Distinction. Heather is well liked and respected by her peers and teachers. She is hard working, friendly and diligent. Her grades are consistently at the top of her class, and she has received several academic and athletic honors this year.

Heather loves to sing and play the piano, and she excels at basketball and soccer. She also enjoys reading and running in her spare time.

Her best friend, Natalie Hill, says Heather is not only a talented student, athlete, and musician, but a great friend and an example for other students. "Heather is someone I can talk to about just about anything. She has always been there for me when I needed her. Besides, she's the best at 'guitar hero'."